Rowanfield Junior School

Rowanfield Junior
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French

'To learn a new language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.' - Chinese proverb

Learning a foreign language is part of the primary National Curriculum and is a requirement for all children within Key Stage 2. This year, we have introduced French into our curriculum from Year 3 - 6. Our intent is that, by the next academic year, this will be extended to include our Key Stage 1 children too. 

Our aim is to develop the confidence of every child as they learn French; we want them to be passionate, curious and confident about learning a foreign language and about other countries and cultures. 

At Rowanfield, we develop in the five key language skills necessary for learning French:

  • Speaking
  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Grammar

These four key language learning skills will be taught and all necessary grammar will be covered in an age-appropriate way across the primary phase. This will enable pupils to use and apply their learning in a variety of contexts, laying down solid foundations for future language learning.

How do we teach French?

Rowanfield Junior School uses the 'Language Angels' scheme of work and resources to ensure we offer a relevant, broad, vibrant and ambitious French curriculum that will inspire and excite our pupils by using a wide variety of topics and themes. All pupils will be expected to achieve their full potential by encouraging high expectations and excellent standards in their French learning. The ultimate aim being that pupils will feel willing and able to continue studying languages as they move onto their secondary school journey. 

We will provide a dynamic programme of study that will ensure that the foreign language knowledge of our pupils progresses within each academic year and is extended year upon year throughout the primary phase. We will revisit learning regularly to ensure pupils are expanding their vocabulary and have opportunities to practice and rehearse the language they have already learned.

Pupils will develop a genuine interest and positive curiosity about foreign languages, finding them enjoyable and stimulating. Learning a second language will also offer pupils the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity, develop a deeper understanding of other cultures and the world around them with a better awareness of self, others and cultural differences. We want our pupils to become life-long language learners.

French Curriculum Overview

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4 Term 5 Term 6
Year 3

French Phenomes 1 

I am Learning French

Animals Instruments Fruits Little Red Riding Hood Ancient Britain
Year 4

French Phenomes 1&2

Fruits

Vegetables Ancient Britain Presenting Myself My Classroom My Family
Year 5

French Phenomes 1-3

Core Vocabulary Grammar Focus

Fruits Presenting Myself My Family My Home Clothes
Year 6 French Phenomes 1-4 Core Vocabulary Grammar Focus Presenting Myself My Classroom My Family My Home At the Cafe

What do our students think?

 

'I loved learning about the different vegetables in French. My favourite thing to say is 'Les champignons' which means mushrooms. We loved saying this in our swimming lessons when we did a mushroom float!' - Wiktor (Year 4) 
 
'Learning French has been really fun. It will also be beneficial if we ever travel to France or any French speaking country.' - Katie (Year 6) 
 
'Learning French will really prepare us for learning languages at secondary school as we will already know a range of vocabulary.' - Alex (Year 6)